If you coach, referee, or parent youth soccer, you’ve probably asked this question:

“Why can’t teams press the goalkeeper in U9 or U10 soccer?”

I’ll explain exactly what the buildout line is, when it applies, why it exists, and how it helps player development in 7v7 soccer, especially at U9 and U10 — and even younger age groups.

WHAT IS THE BUILDOUT LINE?

The buildout line is a line marked across the field in 7v7 soccer that tells the defending team where they must retreat during certain moments of the game.

You’ll see it used in U10 and younger leagues.

Its main purpose is simple: Give young players space and time to build out from the back.

The buildout line sits between the top of the penalty area and the halfway line, depending on the field setup, but usually is about a third of the way.

WHEN DOES THE BUILDOUT LINE APPLY?

The buildout line applies in two main situations:

1. On Goal Kicks

When the attacking team has a goal kick, the opposing team must retreat behind the buildout line.

2. When the Goalkeeper Has the Ball in Their Hands

If the goalkeeper catches the ball, the opponents must again drop back behind the buildout line.

Once the goalkeeper:

• throws the ball, or
• plays it with their feet

The ball is in play, and the defending team is allowed to move forward and press. Remember at this age punting is not allowed.

And this is important:
Teams are not frozen forever.
They just can’t pressure until the ball is released.

WHAT IF A TEAM CROSSES THE BUILDOUT LINE EARLY?

This is where a lot of confusion happens.

If a defending player crosses the buildout line before the ball is in play, referees will usually:

• stop play
• ask for a retake of the goal kick
• or give a verbal reminder, especially at younger ages

At U9 and U10, this rule is about education, not punishment. And the referee is an educator, same as the coaches and the parents. So, the referee can take a moment to explain the rule to the players if needed.

The goal is learning the game — not calling technical fouls every two minutes.

WHY DOES THE BUILDOUT LINE EXIST?

This is the most important part of the rule.

The buildout line exists to support player development.

Without it, young teams often:

• press the goalkeeper immediately
• force panic clearances
• turn games into constant kick-and-run soccer

With the buildout line, players get:

• time on the ball
• space to make decisions
• confidence to receive under light pressure

It encourages:

• playing out from the back
• short passing
• movement off the ball
• problem-solving instead of just kicking it long

This is about teaching players how to play, not just how to survive.

HOW THE BUILDOUT LINE HELPS DIFFERENT PLAYERS?

Goalkeepers

Goalkeepers learn:

• composure
• distribution
• decision-making with their feet

They’re not rushed into mistakes every time they touch the ball.

Defenders

Defenders learn:

• how to spread out
• how to create passing angles
• how to receive facing forward

These are foundational skills for 9v9 and 11v11 soccer.

Attackers

Even attackers of the opposition benefit:

• they learn when to press
• how to read cues
• how to stay compact as a unit

The buildout line teaches timing, not passivity.

COMMON MISUNDERSTANDINGS ABOUT THE BUILDOUT LINE

Let’s clear up a few common myths.

❌ “You can’t press at all”
✔ You can — once the ball is in play

❌ “It forces teams to play short”
✔ Teams can still play long if they want

❌ “It’s only for weaker teams”
✔ It’s for development, not ability level

The buildout line doesn’t remove competition — it shapes it.

COACHING TIPS FOR USING THE BUILDOUT LINE

If you’re a coach, check out the two videos on my channel about pressing and about building from the back – links in the description. here’s how to get the most out of it:

• Don’t over-coach goal kicks
• Give players options, not scripts
• Accept mistakes — they’re part of learning
• Train spacing and angles in practice
• Let players solve problems

If your team loses the ball building out — that’s okay.
That’s how learning happens.

WHAT PARENTS SHOULD KNOW

If you’re a parent watching this:

Mistakes are expected.
The buildout line is not about perfection.

Yelling “just kick it!” might feel helpful — but it works against what the players are trying to learn.

Development now leads to better soccer later.

QUICK SUMMARY & TAKEAWAYS

So, to recap:

• The buildout line gives players space to build
• It applies on goal kicks and goalkeeper possession
• Pressing is allowed once the ball is in play
• The goal is confidence, decision-making, and development